Cherry blossom blues

Cherry blossom season is understandably a big deal in Japan. The weather is warmer. The flowers are beautiful. And the booze flows like there’s no tomorrow. Or at the very least a tomorrow that doesn’t involve getting up early or doing anything particularly taxing.

But at the same time, it’s such a big deal that one must go out and celebrate it. And one must have a good time. No matter how difficult, or how bad an idea, that may be.

The atmosphere at Yasukuni can be incredibly different depending on when you go. I’ve visited on days when the nationalists have been there in huge numbers, and it’s intimidating to say the least. Not to mention incredibly unwelcoming. And yet during events like hanami it’s a wonderfully friendly. Just a fun place to be.

Ueno park is always miserable it seems during cherry blossom season. Crowded and bugs everywhere. I went to shinjuku gyoen the following day and it’s much more pleasant. Definetly worth the 200 yen. And there are always ways to sneak in beer 🙂